Usually CAE is presumed as an activity that is done post the development of 3D model. Why not bring in computer-aided engineering right at the initial design stage?

Since CEAD supports analysis based design at the initial stage of the product development cycle, we would classify CEAD as a conceptual CAE software. CEAD brings together a rare combination of geometry, mathematical equations, analysis and simulation capabilities to leverage Design Synthesis.

CAE is used to verify the design. As a result of this verification, if some changes are needed in model then the design is changed in CAD and again verified using CAE. This is an iterative process. Using CEAD at the initial design stages will reduce the costly iteration between CAD and CAE later in the design cycle as the values obtained from CEAD will be better initial inputs for CAD.

So to conclude if CEAD is a CAE software, the answer is an emphatic YES!